A PLASTIC SURGEON

BY ANNETTE BROOKS

ARE YOU READY TO IMPROVE WHAT MOTHER NATURE GAVE YOU? Do you want to restore your body after having children or losing weight, rock a slimmer, smoother figure, or turn back the years on your facial appearance? If so, now comes the next step — selecting a plastic surgeon. With so many to choose from, it is natural to feel a bit overwhelmed, but fortunately, it’s easier than you think. Resist the urge to buy into the hype and follow a few simple steps that can help you choose a plastic surgeon that’s right for you.

“Patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction are of the utmost importance as well as getting to know each patient and taking time to listen and answer their questions and concerns. Understanding that each patient’s cosmetic and health goals are as unique as they are.”

Y. Anthony Nakamura, MD, FACS, PA ACCENT ON YOU

First, remember that there is no substitute for credentials, reputation, and experience when choosing a plastic surgeon. Any licensed physician can say they perform appearance-improving surgery, but there’s one easy way to determine if they are qualified to call themselves a plastic surgeon. Physicians who specialize in plastic surgery have completed a general surgery residency followed by a plastic surgery residency or an integrated residency that includes both. Some plastic surgeons opt to then complete a fellowship in a subspecialty, such as aesthetic surgery. If you’re uncertain about a surgeon’s credentials and training, ask, then validate. A surgeon who hesitates to answer should throw up the red fl ag.

Board certification is another way to determine if a plastic surgeon has the training and focus you are seeking. Look for surgeons who are board certified in the correct fi eld of expertise. Keep in mind that only physicians board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can call legitimately themselves plastic surgeons. It’s important to note that physicians such as maxillofacial surgeons and otolaryngologists (ENTs) may perform facial cosmetic surgery. Many of these medical specialists have completed a postresidency fellowship focused on plastic, reconstructive, or cosmetic surgery. For example, an ENT can complete a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Just as you would ask a plastic surgeon about credentials and board certification, ask these physicians as well, then verify. Next, schedule consultations with at least three plastic surgeons so you can compare. Develop a list of questions and bring them to your consultation. You should feel your surgeon has genuinely listened to your goals and concerns and has answered your questions to your satisfaction without making you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision. Note whether or not options and recommendations are provided and compared based on your unique needs, budget, and time available for recovery. Before you leave, ask to see before and after pictures of actual patients. Also, notice the staff and how they treat you. Before and after surgery, you will often interact with them. Lastly, ask for patient references and contact them. These will be people who have agreed to be used as references in accordance with HIPAA guidelines. They can provide insight and opinions that are honest and real compared to online reviews with unverifi able ratings.

If you still can’t determine which plastic surgeon to choose, keep looking. Go on more consultations. A decision as important as this shouldn’t be rushed.

AN ESTIMATED 30 TO 60% OF ADULTS SUFFER FROM LEG SWELLING AND DISCOMFORT FROM VEIN DISEASE, ESPECIALLY VARICOSE VEINS, OR SPIDER VEINS. When these appear as swollen, twisted clusters near the surface of the skin, they are often thought of as a cosmetic affliction. But they may be far more than that. Not only are they embarrassing and painful, but they may also signal serious health issues such as dangerous blood clots. Only a vascular specialist can properly diagnose the source of your symptoms and determine the treatment that will most effectively correct your problems.

Varicose and spider veins arise from venous disease, a complex condition that a highly trained and experienced vein specialist should treat. Choosing the right provider will ensure that your situation is properly diagnosed and treated, and we offer the following guidelines to help you fi nd the right specialist.

First, treating vein disease should be the physician’s area of specialty. Any doctor can offer vein treatment, but that doesn’t mean this treatment is their specialty. A vein specialist must be a physician, either a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathy (DO). Both have a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of medical school and then a residency lasting four to seven years. Some specialists also secure fellowships that provide an extended period of additional training in the treatment of vein disease.

Along with specialized training, board certification is also crucial. Board certification from a professional organization such as the American Board of Surgery indicates that the physician you choose is committed to the highest standards of care and ongoing education in the field. Much of this information can be found online, and physicians will usually have their professional certificates on display. And along with the physician’s qualifi cations, you might want to ask if they use registered vascular technicians (RVTs) to assist with treatment.

The physician’s equipment is another factor in your choice. The vein specialist you choose should have state-of-the-art equipment that diagnoses and treats a wide range of vascular conditions in the least invasive way possible. Ultrasound equipment is commonly used to diagnose vein conditions, and laser and radiofrequency technology are often the treatment options for either varicose or spider veins. Both minimize discomfort and downtime. A variety of treatment options ensures that the specialist can tailor treatment to your specifi c needs.

You might also seek out references and referrals. Comments and recommendations from past patients are readily available online, though be careful not to let the complaints of one dissatisfied patient influence your choice. Remember that no matter your fi eld, you’ll never satisfy everyone. You can also ask your primary care physician which vein specialist they would choose for treatment of their own vein conditions.

Don’t overlook insurance coverage. Your vein specialist can tell you if your treatment is considered medically necessary or cosmetic, and the physician’s staff should be willing to contact your insurer to ask if your procedure will be covered.

Finally, qualifications aren’t everything. You and your doctor should be a good match in personality, which helps signifi cantly with both effective communication and treatment.

ARE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS IN YOUR LEGS DISRUPTING YOUR LIFE? YOUR LEG PROBLEM COULD BE A VEIN PROBLEM